Vehicle bed loading ramp systems

Abstract

Vehicle bed loading ramp systems are disclosed. Systems include (a) a first section comprising a rigid framework defining a pair of ramps, the first section having first outer edges extending parallel to the ramps; (b) a second section comprising a rigid framework defining a pair of ramps, the second section having second outer edges extending parallel to the ramps; (c) at least one wheel mounted adjacent each of the first outer edges; and (d) a pair of locking hinge assemblies mounted to extend between one of the first outer edges and an adjacent one of the second outer edges to provide a hinged coupling between the first section and the second section. When the locking hinge assemblies are locked open the ramps of the first and second sections are colinearly arranged and capable of supporting the weight of an off-road vehicle to be loaded without collapsing.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A vehicle bed loading ramp system comprising:
 a first section comprising a rigid framework defining a first pair of ramps, the first section having a left first outer edge and a right first outer edge, the left and right first outer edges extending parallel to the first pair of ramps, the first section having a front edge configured to engage an edge of a tailgate of a vehicle; 
 a first pair of wheels mounted adjacent the left first outer edge; 
 a second pair of wheels mounted adjacent the right first outer edge and opposite the first pair of wheels across a width of the rigid framework; 
 a second section comprising a rigid framework defining a second pair of ramps, the second section having second outer edges extending parallel to the second pair of ramps; 
 and 
 a pair of locking hinge assemblies, each locking hinge assembly being mounted to extend between one of the first outer edges and an adjacent one of the second outer edges to provide a hinged coupling between the first section and the second section; 
 wherein when the locking hinge assemblies are locked in an open position the first pair of ramps are colinearly arranged with the second pair of ramps and capable of supporting the weight of an off-road vehicle to be loaded without collapsing. 
 
     
     
       2. The system of  claim 1  wherein the locking hinge assemblies each comprise an outer bracket portion having a pair of spaced leaves, an inner bracket portion having a single leaf configured to be received between the spaced leaves during folding, and a cylindrical locking hinge extending through coaxially arranged bores in the outer and inner bracket portions, hingedly joining the outer and inner bracket portions. 
     
     
       3. The system of  claim 2  wherein the outer bracket portion is attached to one of the first and second outer edges and the inner bracket is attached to the other of the first and second outer edges. 
     
     
       4. The system of  claim 2  wherein the cylindrical locking hinge comprises pins that are releasably received by corresponding holes in the outer and inner bracket portions to fix the position of the inner bracket portion relative to the outer bracket portion. 
     
     
       5. The system of  claim 1  wherein the locking hinge assemblies are mounted to the first and second sections in a manner so that a dead space is provided between a lower edge of the first section and an upper edge of the second section to facilitate folding. 
     
     
       6. The system of  claim 1  wherein each pair of wheels is commonly mounted on a bracket, and positioned such that a portion of each wheel is disposed within the framework of the first section. 
     
     
       7. The system of  claim 1  wherein the locking hinge assemblies are configured to lock the system in a closed position. 
     
     
       8. The system of  claim 1  further comprising a pair of wheels disposed on an upper edge of the first section or a lower edge of the second section to facilitate rolling transport of the system when folded. 
     
     
       9. The system of  claim 1  further comprising LED lighting mounted on a lower edge of the second section. 
     
     
       10. The system of  claim 1  wherein the first section further comprises two pairs of stops, one pair positioned on the lower side of each of the first pair of ramps, the stops being configured to engage the edge of the tailgate. 
     
     
       11. A method of loading an off-road vehicle (ORV) into a vehicle bed, the method comprising:
 providing, in a folded position, a vehicle bed loading ramp system comprising:
 a first section comprising a rigid framework defining a first pair of ramps, the first section having a left first outer edge and a right first outer edge, the left and right first outer edges extending parallel to the first pair of ramps, the first section having a front edge configured to engage an edge of a tailgate of a vehicle; 
 a first pair of wheels mounted adjacent the left first outer edge; 
 a second pair of wheels mounted adjacent the right first outer edge and opposite the first pair of wheels across a width of the rigid framework; 
 a second section comprising a rigid framework defining a second pair of ramps, the second section having second outer edges extending parallel to the second pair of ramps; 
 and 
 a pair of locking hinge assemblies, each locking hinge assembly being mounted to extend between one of the first outer edges and an adjacent one of the second outer edges to provide a hinged coupling between the first section and the second section; 
 
 pivoting the first section and second section about the locking hinge assemblies to move the system to an open position; 
 locking the locking hinge assemblies in an open position such that the ramps of the first section are colinearly arranged with the ramps of the second section; 
 positioning the system such that the first section rests against the tailgate of the vehicle having a bed and a lower edge of the second section contacts the ground; 
 driving an ORV onto the ramps; and 
 using the wheels to roll the system and ORV over the tailgate and into the bed while lifting up on the second section. 
 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 11 , further comprising securing the ORV to the bed of the vehicle. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 11 , further comprising using the wheels to roll the system and ORV out of the bed while lowering the second section to the ground. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 13 , further comprising driving the ORV off of the system. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 14 , further comprising unlocking the locking hinge assemblies and moving the first section and second section back to the folded position. 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 15 , further comprising using a pair of wheels disposed on an upper edge of the first section or a lower edge of the second section to facilitate rolling transport of the folded system to a storage location. 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 15 , wherein unlocking the locking hinge assemblies comprises releasing pins from corresponding holes the engagement of which locks the first section and second section in the folded and open positions. 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 11  further comprising activating lighting disposed on a rear edge of the second section.